Ventilation system and method

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation system comprising a housing that includes a plurality of panels. At least one socket can be defined through at least one of the panels and the socket can be coupled to an electricity source. In some embodiments, the ventilation system can include at least one illumination system that can include a socket interface, an extension member, and at least one illumination device. The socket interface can be configured to engage the socket and the extension member can be capable of moving in a plurality of directions.

BACKGROUND

A conventional outdoor ventilation system can be useful for the removal of cooking effluent arising from cooking episodes in outdoor and/or partially enclosed spaces. At least some of the outdoor and/or partially enclosed spaces can include one or more cooking appliances that emit cooking effluent during a cooking episode, similar to an indoor cooking configuration. For example, some of these outdoor cooking configurations can include a permanent roof structure, with at least some uncovered and/or screened perimeter supports, such as walls. As a result, without an outdoor ventilation system, cooking effluent will accumulate within the local environment.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation system that can include a housing comprising a plurality of panels. In some embodiments, at least one socket can be defined through at least one of the plurality of panels and the at least one socket can be capable of being coupled to an electricity source. In some embodiments, the ventilation system can comprise at least one illumination system. In some embodiments, the illumination system can include a socket interface, an extension member, and at least one illumination device. In some embodiments, the socket interface can be configured and arranged to engage the socket. In some embodiments, the extension member the extension member can be capable of moving in a plurality of directions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ventilation system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a ventilation system and disposed in a cooking environment according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a ventilation system and disposed in a cooking environment according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an illumination system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a conventional illumination device.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of an illumination system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a conventional illumination system.

FIG. 8 a front view of a conventional illumination system.

FIG. 9 is a side view of three conventional illumination systems.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a conventional ventilation system and grille.

FIG. 14A is a shadowgraph of a representation of a conventional ventilation system.

FIG. 14B is a shadowgraph of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17B is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 perspective view of a ventilation system according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a ventilation system 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The ventilation system 10 can include a housing 12, a ventilation assembly 14, and an illumination system 16. In some embodiments, the housing 12 can comprise one or more panels 18 that can be configured and arranged to support at least some of the elements of the ventilation system 10. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be installed substantially adjacent to a cook top, range oven, grille, or other surface on which a cooking episode could occur.

By way of example only, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, in some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be employed in an indoor and/or outdoor cooking environment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the ventilation system can be installed in an outdoor kitchen. In some embodiments, an outdoor kitchen can be configured substantially similar to an indoor kitchen so that it includes an overhead structure (e.g., a roof), one or more walls or other support structures, and one or more cooking surfaces (e.g., a grille 20). In some embodiments, although configured as an outdoor kitchen, cooking effluent produced by the grille 20 or other cooking surface can linger and/or not be sufficiently evacuated, leading to an unpleasant and/or an unhealthy outdoor kitchen environment. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be used in conjunction with other surfaces that are capable of producing cooking effluent or any other surface capable of producing polluted fluids that a user may wish to exhaust. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be employed in indoor kitchens or other areas of homes, business, or any other area where ventilation of polluted fluids is desired. Moreover, although examples and discussion herein involve discussions of outdoor kitchen environments, these discussions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the housing 12 can be coupled to a support structure, such as a wall. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 12 can be positioned substantially adjacent to a grille 20 or other cooking apparatus (e.g., above the grille 20). In some embodiments, a rear portion of the housing 12 can be coupled to the structure via conventional fasteners, adhesives, or other suitable coupling methods so that the housing 12 is adequately supported adjacent to the grille 20. As shown in FIG. 1 and discussed in greater detail below, in some embodiments, an extension 22 can be coupled to a rear portion of the housing 12. Moreover, in some embodiments, the extension 22 can be coupled to the wall or support structure and, because the extension 22 is coupled to the housing 12, the extension 22 can support the housing 12 and ventilation system 10.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be electrically coupled to an electricity source (e.g., a battery, the structure's electrical network, or any other electricity source) so that one or more elements of the ventilation system 10 can receive electricity for operations. Moreover, in some embodiments, as described in further detail below, the ventilation system 10 can be coupled to one or more ducts 24 so that at least a portion of the effluent or other fluid received from the grille 22 can be transported, via the duct 24, outside of the local area (e.g., outside of the outdoor kitchen).

As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the housing 12 can comprise at least one inlet 26. For example, in some embodiments, a lower area of the housing 12 can include the inlet 26 so that the inlet 26 is substantially adjacent to the grille 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 12 can comprise at least two side panels 18 a that can define at least a portion of the inlet 26. In some embodiments, other portions of the housing 12 can define other portions of the inlet 26. Moreover, in some embodiments, the inlet 26 can comprise a plurality of inlets 26 defined through some portions of the housing 12.

In some embodiments, one or more electrical sockets 28 can be at least partially coupled to and/or supported by the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3-5, in some embodiments, the electrical sockets 28 can be positioned substantially adjacent to the inlet 26 through one or more of the side panels 18 a. In some embodiments, the electrical sockets 28 can be electrically coupled to the structure's electricity source so that one or more elements coupled to the electrical sockets 28 can receive power for operations. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical sockets 28 can comprise a substantially conventional configuration for receiving one or more illumination devices (e.g., a GU10 configuration) for illuminating a surface (e.g., the grille 20) below the ventilation system 10. In some embodiments, the electrical sockets 28 can be configured to receive one or more substantially conventional illumination devices (e.g., GU10 bulbs, as shown in FIG. 5).

In some embodiments, the electrical sockets 28 can be configured and arranged to receive one or more of the illumination systems 16. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can comprise a plurality of illumination systems 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the ventilation system 10 can comprise at least two illumination systems 16 disposed on opposing sides of the inlet 26. Moreover, in some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can comprise electrical sockets 28 disposed through other portions of the housing 12, such as adjacent to a front portion of the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the illumination systems 16 can each comprise a socket interface 30, an extension member 32, and at least one illumination device 34. In some embodiments, the illumination systems 16 can comprise a flexible material that can insulate at least a portion of the thermal energy produced by the illumination systems 16 (e.g., flexible silicone or other suitable materials)

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the socket interface 30 can comprise a configuration substantially similar to a conventional illumination device for interfacing with the electrical sockets 28. For example, in some embodiments, the socket interface 30 can be configured to engage and/or be coupled to the electrical socket 28 in addition to or in lieu of a conventional illumination device. Moreover, in some embodiments, the socket interface 30 can be configured to engage any electrical socket 28 comprising a conventional configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the socket interface 30 can comprise a configuration similar to that of an interface of a GU10 bulb that mediates electricity transfer from the electrical socket 28 to the bulb. As a result, the illumination systems 16 can be employed in ventilation systems 10 that comprise similarly configured electrical sockets 28 (e.g., the illumination systems 16 can be retrofitted to existing ventilation systems 10).

As shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B, in some embodiments, the extension member 32 can be coupled to the socket interface 30. The extension member 32 can comprise one or more wires or other conductive members (not shown) that can function to relay current from the electrical sockets 28 and the socket interfaces 30 to the illumination devices 34. Moreover, in some embodiments, the extension members 32 can comprise a flexible configuration. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the extension member 32 can be configured and arranged to move in a plurality of directions. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B, the illumination device 34 can be coupled to an end of the extension member 32 opposing the socket interface 30. In some embodiments, the illumination device 34 can comprise at least one of incandescent, fluorescent, compact fluorescent, halogen, and other lights and lamps. Further, these illumination devices can be flood lights, globe lights, light-emitting diodes, or other similar illumination devices 34, including a combination of any of the above. In some embodiments, a user can move the extension member 34 in any direction to direct illumination from the illumination device 34 in any direction required by the user. Moreover, the illumination provided by the illumination systems 16 (i.e., via the illumination devices 34) can be controlled using a conventional control panel (not shown) that is configured to control one or more illumination devices 34 that are coupled to the electrical sockets 28. For example, a user can activate the illumination systems 16 to provide illumination or change intensities of the illumination using the control panel.

In some embodiments, the illumination systems 16 can provide benefits compared to the conventional lighting systems of grilles 20 and other cooking surfaces. Although conventional illumination devices can be needed to provid the user of a grille 20 or other cooking surface with adequate illumination to view the food being cooked, these conventional illumination devices and systems have several shortcomings. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, some conventional grilles 20 can comprise their own conventional illumination devices. However, because the conventional illumination devices can be coupled to the grille 20 and disposed substantially adjacent to the cooking surface of the grille 20, significant amounts of cooking effluent and other pollutants can attach to a surface of the conventional illumination devices, which can reduce the amount of illumination provided to the cooking surface and possibly create a safety hazard. As a result, to maintain safety and necessary amounts of illumination, the conventional illumination devices can require frequent cleaning by the user. The illumination systems 16 of the ventilation system 10 provide improvements over this conventional configuration. For example, because the illumination systems 16 are disposed on the ventilation system 10 and not directly coupled to the grille 20 (i.e., not immediately adjacent to the cooking surface), the amount of cooking effluent directed toward and contacting the illumination devices 34 is reduced relative to the conventional configuration.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, some other conventional lighting systems can also include shortcomings. For example, some lighting systems can comprise battery-operated clip-on style lighting accessories that can be coupled to the grille 20 or adjacent surface to provide illumination. Generally, these conventional clip-on style lighting systems provide low-intensity illumination that can be insufficient for properly illuminating the cooking surface. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can provide improvements over this conventional configuration. For example, because the illumination systems 16 can be directly coupled to the electrical network of the structure, the user does not need to replace any batteries. Moreover, because conventional illumination devices 34 can be used with the illumination systems 16, a sufficient amount of illumination can reach the cooking surface and the shortcomings associated with the low-intensity lighting systems can be avoided.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, some conventional ventilation systems can be configured so that some portions of the grille 20 can obscure, block, or otherwise prevent the transmission of illumination to the cooking surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a grille cover 36, when opened, can block at least a portion of the illumination provided by conventional illumination devices installed in the conventional ventilation system. As a result, little to no illumination can reach the cooking surface of the grille 20. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can provide improvements over this conventional configuration. For example, because of the flexibility of movement and capability of moving in a plurality of different directions, the illumination devices 34 can be positioned in any one of multiple positions so that a grille cover 36 is not able to obscure or block material amounts of illumination from reaching the cooking surface.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the housing 12 can comprise one or more pockets 38 that are configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the illumination systems 16. In some embodiments, the pockets 38 can be configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the illumination devices 34 coupled to the extension members 34. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the illumination systems 16 are not in use or needed by the user, the configuration of at least some of the extension members 34 can be changed from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position. As a result, the illumination systems 16 can be stored for future use and the space between the ventilation system 10 and the grille 20 can be free from the illumination systems 16 extending in a generally downward direction.

In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can be at least partially positioned within and/or supported by the housing 12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, the ventilation assembly 14 can be positioned within the housing 12 and in fluid communication with the inlet 26. As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can comprise a blower assembly 40 that can be positioned within the housing 12 and capable of generating a fluid flow from the cooking surface through the inlet 26 and the ventilation assembly 14 and out of the ventilation system 10 via the duct 24. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, the ventilation assembly 14 can comprise one or more capture surfaces 42 that can be positioned between the blower assembly 40 and the inlet 26. In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can comprise one or more filters 44 immediately adjacent to the capture surface 42 so that at least a portion of the pollutants (e.g., cooking effluent, such as grease) can be removed from the air and other fluids originating from the cooking surface. Moreover, in some embodiments, the capture surface 42 can comprise a non-planar configuration or ridged configuration, as shown in FIGS. 16, 17A, and 17B, which can at least partially increase a surface area of the capture surface 42 to improve effluent capture.

In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can provide benefits relative to some conventional ventilation systems. Some conventional ventilation systems offer inadequate levels of fluid flow through the system and, accordingly, an inadequate effluent capture rate. Some of these drawbacks to conventional ventilation systems occur because of the size and positioning of the capture surface 42 and other elements of the ventilation assembly 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the capture area of some conventional ventilation systems can be at least partially obscured when the grille cover 36 is in the open position (e.g., the grille cover 36 can direct at least a portion of the cooking effluent to a position that is too far forward for the conventional ventilation system to capture). In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can provide improvements over this conventional configuration. For example, the ventilation system 10 comprises a capture surface 42 that comprises a greater surface area relative to conventional ventilation systems. Moreover, the inlet 26 and the capture surfaces 42 can extend to a more forward position relative to the overall depth of the housing 12, relative to conventional ventilation systems, which can lead to greater effluent capture.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, these improvements relative to conventional ventilation systems can result in improved thermal and effluent capture. For example, as shown in the shadowgraph of FIG. 14A, a significant portion of the cooking effluent can escape capture by a conventional ventilation system when the grille cover 36 is open. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, the positioning and the configuration of the ventilation system 10 and ventilation assembly 14 can lead to greater amounts of effluent being captured relative to the conventional system.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the extension 22 can be configured and arranged to further improve effluent and thermal capture. For example, as previously mentioned and as shown in FIGS. 10 and 15, the extension 22 can be coupled to a rear portion of the housing 12 and can the extension 22 can then be coupled to a wall or structure to support the ventilation system 10. By way of example only, in some embodiments, the extension 22 can comprise a depth of about three inches so that the components of the ventilation system 10 are moved about three inches further from the wall, relative to embodiments without an extension 22. As a result, the ventilation assembly 14 can be positioned more forward so that more effluent can be captured because an even greater portion of the inlet 26 and the capture surface 42 can be exposed to the cooking effluent when the grille cover 36 is opened. In other embodiments, the extension 22 can comprise other sizes (e.g., greater or less than about three inches) and dimensions to meet user needs.

In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can comprise a secondary ventilation assembly 46, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, in some embodiments, a grille 20 can output a great enough quantity of cooking effluent that the primary ventilation assembly 14 (i.e., the ventilation assembly 14 previously mentioned) can become at least partially overwhelmed and unable to remove all of the effluent from the outdoor kitchen area. In some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be configured to operate in addition to or in lieu of the primary ventilation assembly 14 (e.g., to remove cooking effluent or other pollutants from the local environment). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be at least partially disposed within, coupled to, and/or supported by the roof of the outdoor kitchen. In some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be in fluid communication with a duct 24 (e.g., the same duct 24 that is in fluid communication with the primary ventilation assembly 14 or a different duct 24) so that at least a portion of the effluent exhausted from the cooking surface can be directed to a remote location (e.g., outside of the local area).

In some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be in communication (e.g., wired, as shown in FIG. 1, or wireless) with the primary ventilation assembly 14 to control operations of the secondary ventilation assembly 46 (e.g., the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be activated when the primary ventilation assembly 14 is activated). In some embodiments, the primary and secondary ventilation assemblies 14, 46 can share one or more blower assemblies 40 so that airflow from the blower assembly 40 can be used to exhaust effluent through both assemblies 14, 46.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can comprise one or more sensors (e.g., thermal sensors, particulate sensors, infrared sensors, etc.) that can automatically activate the secondary ventilation assembly 46 during an occurrence of a cooking episode. In some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be manually controlled via one or more switches on the control panel or remotely positioned on a wall in the outdoor kitchen.

As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can comprise other configurations. As shown in FIG. 18, in lieu of or in addition to a secondary ventilation assembly 46 being coupled to or supported by the roof of the kitchen, one or more secondary ventilation assemblies 46 can be disposed or supported by a wall of the kitchen. For example, the ventilation system 10 can comprise two secondary ventilation assemblies 46 that can resemble and/or function as duct covers. In some embodiments, the blower assembly 40 can generate air flow through both the primary ventilation assembly 14 and the secondary ventilation assemblies 46 to remove cooking effluent. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assemblies 46 can operate independently of the primary ventilation assembly 14.

As previously mentioned, the primary and/or secondary ventilation assemblies 14, 46 can be configured to aid in removal of cooking effluent from the local environment that arises from a cooking episode. In some conventional ventilation systems, after removal of a portion of the effluent from polluted air or other fluids, the removed effluent can accumulate within the filters 44 and eventually lead to clogging of the filters 44 and overflow effluent draining downward toward the grille 20. For example, some conventional ventilation systems can comprise effluent collection systems (e.g., baffle filters, mesh filters, centrifugal grease wheels, etc) that can be configured to retain grease and other effluent as it passes through the system. These conventional effluent collection systems can become quickly overwhelmed, which can lead to an accumulation of grease and other effluent that can overflow out of the collection system.

In some embodiments, the extension 22 can be configured and arranged to improve effluent clearance through the ventilation assembly 10, relative to the conventional effluent collection systems. In some embodiments, the extension 22 can comprise at least one reservoir 49 that is at least partially movably positioned within the extension 22. For example, as shown in FIGS. 16-17B, the reservoir 49 can be positioned in a generally lower portion of the ventilation system 10 so that at least a portion effluent collected by the ventilation assembly 14 can be directed toward the reservoir 49 via gravity. Further, in some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can comprise one or more rails 47 coupled to an outer portion of the capture surface 42. As reflected by the arrows in FIGS. 16 and 17A, in some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can be configured so that effluent (e.g., grease) removed from the local environment can be guided toward the reservoir 49. For example, the rails 47, filters 44, and/or other portions of the ventilation assembly 14 can be positioned within the housing 12 at an angle so that at least a portion of the effluent removed from the local environment is directed toward the reservoir 49 via gravity. In some embodiments, the housing 12 can comprise the reservoir 49 so that the ventilation system 10 can operate without the extension 22.

In some embodiments, the reservoir 49 can be configured for the ease of the user. For example, the reservoir 49 can comprise a volume sufficient to receive a significant volume of effluent so that the user does not have to frequently empty the reservoir 49. In some embodiments, the reservoir 49 can comprise one or more handles 48 or other features that can enable a user to readily remove the reservoir 49 from the extension 22, as shown in FIG. 17B. As a result, the reservoir 49 can be removed and taken to a remote location for removal of accumulated effluent and cleaning. Moreover, in some embodiments, in order to improve movement of the effluent and the cleaning process, portions of the ventilation assembly 14, the extension 22, and/or the reservoir 49 can comprise surfaces that are at least partially coated in a non-stick material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene).

Additionally, in some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can comprise one or more indicator members (not shown). In some embodiments, the indicator member can be configured and arranged to provide a signal (e.g., visual, audio, or other suitable signal) to the user the reservoir 49 is in need of being emptied and/or cleaned. In some embodiments, the indicator member can comprise a mechanical configuration, an electrical configuration, an electro-mechanical configuration, an aperture through a portion of the ventilation system 10 through which a user can visualize the effluent levels within the reservoir 49, a timer, or any other suitable configuration.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 

1. A ventilation system configured to be arranged above a cooking device, the ventilation system comprising: a housing; a filter configured to remove at least a portion of cooking effluent from a polluted airflow, wherein the cooking effluent is at least one of a solid and a liquid; a rail arranged below the filter and the filter is angled downward from a top of the filter to a bottom of the filter to direct at least a portion of the cooking effluent removed by the filter onto the rail; a reservoir arranged below the rail and the rail is angled downward toward the reservoir to guide at least a portion of the cooking effluent received from the filter into the reservoir.
 2. The ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising a handle being coupled to the reservoir.
 3. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation assembly comprises at least one blower assembly capable of generating a fluid flow through at least some portions of the filter.
 4. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cooking effluent comprises grease.
 5. The ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising an indicator member configured to provide notice to a user when the reservoir needs to be emptied.
 6. The ventilation system of claim 5, wherein the indicator member comprises at least one of a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an electro-mechanical sensor, a timer, and a window member disposed through at least one of the housing extension and the housing.
 7. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the top of the filter to the bottom of the filter by gravity.
 8. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the filter to the rail by gravity.
 9. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the rail to the reservoir by gravity.
 10. An effluent collection assembly configured to be arranged above a cooking device, the effluent collection assembly comprising: a housing; a filter to remove at least a portion of cooking effluent from polluted air, wherein the cooking effluent is at least one of a solid and a liquid; a rail arranged below the filter and the filter is angled downward from a top of the filter to a bottom of the filter to direct at least a portion of the cooking effluent removed by the filter onto the rail; a reservoir arranged below the rail and the rail is angled downward toward the reservoir to guide at least a portion of the cooking effluent received from the filter into the reservoir.
 11. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10 further comprising a handle being coupled to the reservoir.
 12. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the cooking effluent comprises grease.
 13. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10 further comprising an indicator member configured to provide notice to a user when the reservoir needs to be emptied.
 14. The effluent collection assembly of claim 13, wherein the indicator member comprises at least one of a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an electro-mechanical sensor, a timer, and a window member disposed through at least one of the housing extension and the housing.
 15. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the top of the filter to the bottom of the filter by gravity.
 16. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the filter to the rail by gravity.
 17. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the rail to the reservoir by gravity.
 18. A ventilation system configured to be arranged above a cooking device, the ventilation system comprising: a housing; a contact surface to collect at least a portion of cooking effluent from a polluted airflow, wherein the cooking effluent is at least one of a solid and a liquid; a rail arranged below the contact surface and the contact surface is angled downward from a top of the contact surface to a bottom of the contact surface to direct at least a portion of the cooking effluent collected on the contact surface onto the rail; a reservoir arranged below the rail and the rail is angled downward toward the reservoir to guide at least a portion of the cooking effluent received from the contact surface into the reservoir.
 19. The ventilation system of claim 18 further comprising a handle being coupled to the reservoir.
 20. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the ventilation assembly comprises at least one blower assembly capable of generating a fluid flow over the contact surface.
 21. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the cooking effluent comprises grease.
 22. The ventilation system of claim 18 further comprising an indicator member configured to provide notice to a user when the reservoir needs to be emptied.
 23. The ventilation system of claim 22, wherein the indicator member comprises at least one of a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an electro-mechanical sensor, a timer, and a window member disposed through at least one of the housing extension and the housing.
 24. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the top of the contact surface to the bottom of the contact surface by gravity.
 25. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the contact surface to the rail by gravity.
 26. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the cooking effluent is directed from the rail to the reservoir by gravity. 